Utility Software exam questions

19 Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) exam-style questions on Utility Software (3.2 Software), 44 marks in all. Answer them on paper or print them, then open the mark schemes and example answers to see how each is marked.

1Multiple choice1 mark

A hard disk is slow because the parts of each file are stored in different places on the disk.

Identify the purpose of disk defragmentation software.

[1 mark]

ATo store the parts of each file together
BTo reduce the amount of storage space each file uses
CTo keep a copy of files in case the disk fails
DTo recover files that cannot be opened

Mark scheme

A To store the parts of each file together (1)
The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is to store the parts of each file together.
B is not correct because reducing the amount of space a file uses is the purpose of data compression software
C is not correct because keeping a copy of files in case the disk fails is the purpose of backup software
D is not correct because recovering files that cannot be opened is the purpose of file repair software

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

A To store the parts of each file together

Why: Correct option: storing the parts of each file together is the purpose of disk defragmentation software, so the single mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

B To reduce the amount of storage space each file uses

Why: Near-miss scoring 0 on a 1-mark item: this is the purpose of data compression software, as the B line of the mark scheme says, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D To recover files that cannot be opened

Why: Misconception: this is the purpose of file repair software, not defragmentation software; the D line of the mark scheme gives no mark.

2Multiple choice1 mark

Anti-malware software scans a file and finds that it contains malware.

Identify the action the anti-malware software should take with the file.

[1 mark]

ABack it up
BCompress it
CDefragment it
DQuarantine it

Mark scheme

D Quarantine it (1)
The only correct answer is D. The correct answer is quarantine it.
A is not correct because a backup keeps a copy of the infected file and does not stop the malware from spreading
B is not correct because compression reduces the size of a file but does not remove or isolate the malware
C is not correct because defragmentation reorganises files on a disk but does not remove or isolate the malware

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

D Quarantine it

Why: Correct option: anti-malware quarantines a file that contains malware, so the single mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

A Back it up

Why: Near-miss: backup keeps a copy of the infected file and does not stop the malware from spreading, so no mark.

No marks0/1

C Defragment it

Why: Misconception: defragmentation reorganises files on a disk but does not remove or isolate malware, so no mark.

3Multiple choice1 mark

A company backs up its data every night.

Identify the term for a backup that copies only the data that has changed since the last backup.

[1 mark]

AFull
BIncremental
COff-site
DScheduled

Mark scheme

B Incremental (1)
The only correct answer is B. The correct answer is incremental.
A is not correct because a full backup copies all of the data on a disk
C is not correct because an off-site backup is stored in a different location
D is not correct because a scheduled backup runs at set times

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

B Incremental

Why: Correct option: an incremental backup copies only the data that has changed since the last backup, so the single mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

A Full

Why: Near-miss: this describes a full backup, which copies all of the data on a disk; the A line of the mark scheme says so, so no mark.

No marks0/1

C Off-site

Why: Misconception: this describes where a backup is stored, not what data it copies; the C line of the mark scheme says so, so no mark.

4Multiple choice1 mark

A user wants to email a large photograph.

Identify the reason why the user should compress the photograph before sending it.

[1 mark]

AReduce the amount of data that is sent
BRepair the photograph if it is corrupted
CIncrease the amount of storage space used
DRemove the malware from the photograph

Mark scheme

A Reduce the amount of data that is sent (1)
The only correct answer is A. The correct answer is Reduce the amount of data that is sent.
B is not correct because file repair recovers data from a corrupted file, not compression
C is not correct because compression reduces the storage space used, it does not increase it
D is not correct because anti-malware software removes malware, not compression

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

A Reduce the amount of data that is sent

Why: Correct option: compression reduces the amount of data sent, so the single mark is awarded.

No marks0/1

C Increase the amount of storage space used

Why: Near-miss (incorrect choice): compression reduces, not increases, the storage space used; the C line of the mark scheme says so, so no mark.

No marks0/1

D Remove the malware from the photograph

Why: Misconception: anti-malware software removes malware, not compression; the D line of the mark scheme says so, so no mark.

5Short recall1 mark

Backup software is a type of utility software.

State one purpose of backup software.

[1 mark]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

To make/keep a copy of files/data (1)
To store the copy separately from the original, e.g. on a different device/in a different location (1)
So that data can be restored if the original is lost/damaged/corrupted (1)

Do not accept "to save files" on its own, as saving is normal file management and does not make a separate copy.

Do not accept answers that describe a different utility, such as scanning for malware/viruses (anti-malware software).

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

To make a copy of data so it can be restored if the original is lost.

Why: Copy of data (1); the restore point is also present but the maximum is one mark.

No marks0/1

To save files to a hard disk.

Why: Saving files is normal file management and does not make a separate copy; the mark scheme says not to accept this, so no mark.

No marks0/1

To scan files for viruses.

Why: Describes anti-malware software, a different utility; the mark scheme says not to accept answers about another utility, so no mark.

6Short recall1 mark

A file may become corrupted and cannot be opened.

State the purpose of file repair software.

[1 mark]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following:

To repair/recover corrupted/damaged files so they can be opened/used again (1)
To recover as much of the data as possible from a damaged file (1)
To reconstruct parts of a damaged file (1)

Allow "to fix corrupted files".

Do not accept "to repair the hard disk" (disk repair).

Do not accept "to recover deleted files" (file repair recovers corrupted/damaged files, not deleted ones).

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks1/1

To repair corrupted files so they can be opened again.

Why: Repair corrupted files so they can be used again (1).

No marks0/1

To repair the hard disk.

Why: Hard disk repair is not file repair; the scheme says not to accept it.

No marks0/1

To recover files that have been deleted.

Why: Recovering deleted files is not file repair; the scheme says not to accept it.

7Short recall2 marks

Compression software is a type of utility software. A student compresses a large video file before emailing it.

Give two benefits of compressing the video file.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

Reduces the file size / uses less storage space (1)
Takes less time to upload/download/send (1)
Uses less bandwidth / reduces the amount of data transferred (1)
The file is more likely to fit within an email attachment size limit (1)
Reduces the amount of storage needed for backups / more files can be stored on backup media (1)

Do not award both 'reduces the file size' and 'uses less storage space' as two separate benefits.

Do not award both 'takes less time to send' and 'uses less bandwidth' as two separate benefits.

Do not accept 'it is compressed' on its own.

Do not accept 'it makes the file easier to send' unless a benefit such as a smaller file or less time is given.

Do not accept 'better quality'.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It uses less storage space and it will upload more quickly.

Why: Uses less storage space (1) and takes less time to upload (1).

Some marks1/2

It reduces the size of the file.

Why: Reduces file size (1); no second distinct benefit.

No marks0/2

The video will have better quality.

Why: Better quality is not a benefit of compression; no mark.

8Short recall2 marks

Anti-malware software helps keep a computer secure.

State two functions of anti-malware software.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:

Scans files/downloads/the computer/system for malware (1)
Compares files/code against a database of known malware/signatures/definitions (1)
Quarantines/removes/deletes infected/suspicious files/malware (1)
Prevents/blocks malware from running/being installed (1)
Updates the database of malware definitions/signatures (1)

Allow removes/deletes malware for the quarantines/removes bullet.

Do not award both quarantining and removing infected files as two separate functions; they are one function.

Do not award both scanning and preventing/blocking malware if the answer describes real-time scanning that blocks malware; award one only.

Do not accept protects the computer on its own.

Do not accept defragments the disk or backs up files.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It scans files for malware and quarantines any infected files.

Why: Scans files for malware (1) and quarantines infected files (1).

Some marks1/2

It scans the computer for viruses.

Why: Scanning the computer for malware/viruses (1); no second function.

No marks0/2

It defragments the hard disk so files open more quickly.

Why: Defragmentation is a different utility and does not scan for, quarantine or remove malware; no mark.

9Describe2 marks

A hard disk can become fragmented as files are saved and deleted.

Describe how disk defragmentation software improves the performance of a hard disk.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

Parts of a file are moved so they are stored together/in consecutive locations (1) so the read/write head has less distance to travel to read the file (1)
Files are rearranged so that each file is stored in one block (1) which reduces the time taken to open/load the file (1)
Free space on the disk is collected into one area (1) so new files can be saved without becoming fragmented (1)
The parts of each fragmented file are put in order (1) so fewer movements of the read/write head are needed to read it (1)

Do not accept responses about compressing files, deleting files or increasing the amount of storage, as these are not what defragmentation software does.

Do not accept 'it makes the disk faster' without saying how the files are changed.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It moves the parts of a file so they are stored together in consecutive locations (1), so the read/write head does not have to move as far and the file opens more quickly (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and development (1): the file parts are stored together, which reduces read/write head movement.

Some marks1/2

It reorganises the files on the hard disk so that they are stored together.

Why: The point is made (1) but there is no development saying how this improves performance, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It compresses the files so that they take up less space on the disk.

Why: This describes data compression software, which the mark scheme says is not accepted; no creditworthy point is made.

10Describe2 marks

A student has a large number of photographs stored on a computer.

Describe the purpose of data compression software.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

Makes a file/files smaller (1) so less storage space is needed on the disk (1)
Reduces the size of the data (1) so it takes less time to upload/download/transfer the file (1)
Compresses files/folders into a single file (1) so an attachment is under the size limit for email (1)
Reduces the size of the files (1) so more of them fit onto a storage device/backup media (1)

Do not accept 'it compresses the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about protecting files from malware/viruses or about deleting files.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It makes the files smaller (1) so that they use less storage space on the computer and more of them fit on the disk (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the benefit (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes files smaller.

Why: This is the point (1) but there is no development of what the smaller size leads to, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It protects the files from viruses so that they cannot be damaged.

Why: This describes anti-malware software, which the mark scheme does not accept; no creditworthy point is made.

11Describe2 marks

A small business stores its customer records on a computer.

Describe the purpose of backup software.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

Makes a copy/duplicate of the files/data (1) and stores it on a separate storage device/at a different location (1)
Copies the data at regular intervals (1) so a recent version is available if the original is lost (1)
Keeps a copy of the files (1) so that the data can be restored after the original is deleted/corrupted (1)
Stores the copies on another device (1) so the data is not lost if the original device fails/is damaged by a fire or flood (1)

Do not accept 'it backs up the files' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about repairing corrupted files or removing malware, as these are different utility programs.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It makes a copy of the data and saves it on a separate storage device (1) so that the records can be restored if the original files are deleted or the computer fails (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the purpose of the copy (1).

Some marks1/2

It makes a copy of the files and saves it on another disk.

Why: The point and location are given (1), but there is no development saying what the copy is used for, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It repairs damaged files so that they can be opened again by the program.

Why: This describes file repair software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

12Describe2 marks

A computer can lose power while a file is being saved.

Describe what file repair software does.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked description such as:

Attempts to repair/rebuild the corrupted file (1) so that it can be opened by its program again (1)
Recovers/retrieves the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose all of the data in the file (1)
Reconstructs the file from data held in other parts of the disk (1) because part of the file/the disk is corrupted (1)
Saves a new/repaired copy of the file (1) as some of the data in it may not be recoverable (1)

Do not accept 'it repairs the file' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Do not accept responses about restoring a backup/previous version of the file, as this is backup software.

Do not accept responses about scanning for or removing malware.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

It recovers the parts of the file that can still be read (1) so that the user does not lose everything that was saved in it (1).

Why: The point (1) and a linked development giving the effect (1).

Some marks1/2

It rebuilds the damaged file from other parts of the disk.

Why: A valid point is made (1) but there is no development of what this achieves, so the second mark is not awarded.

No marks0/2

It restores the last backup of the file so the user gets the data back.

Why: This describes backup software, which the mark scheme does not accept for this question.

13Explain2 marks

A student wants to email a large music file. The email service has a maximum attachment size.

Explain one benefit of using data compression software before sending the file.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

(Compressed) file will be smaller (1) so it will be within the email attachment size limit / can be sent as an attachment (1)
(Compressed) file will be smaller (1) so it will take up less storage space (on the recipient's computer/device) (1)
There will be less data to transmit (1) so the file will upload/send/download faster (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow less storage space on the sender's or the recipient's computer/device as the linked benefit.

A statement that the file will be smaller earns the first mark only; do not award the second mark without a linked benefit.

Do not accept 'it compresses the file' on its own without a linked benefit.

Do not accept 'it will send faster' on its own; the speed must be linked to less data being transmitted or a smaller file size.

Do not accept a second point that only repeats that the file is smaller.

Do not accept 'uses less RAM' / 'uses less memory when the file is opened' as the linked benefit; compression reduces storage/transmission size, not the memory needed to open the file.

Do not accept benefits of other utilities such as repairing a corrupted file or backing up the file.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

The compressed file will be smaller (1) so it should fit within the email service's attachment limit and can be sent (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): smaller file size and a valid consequence for sending the email.

Some marks1/2

The file size is reduced (1) so the file will use less RAM when it is opened.

Why: First mark for a smaller file size (1); 'uses less RAM' is not a valid linked benefit.

No marks0/2

It repairs the corrupted file so it can be sent by email.

Why: Describes file repair, not data compression; no creditworthy point.

14Explain2 marks

Disk defragmentation is a type of utility software.

Explain one benefit of defragmenting a hard disk drive.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

Files/parts of a file are stored together/contiguously (1) so the read/write head does not have to move as far to read them (1)
Files/programs can be read/loaded faster (1) because the read/write head moves to fewer locations on the disk (1)
Free space is gathered together/into one block (1) so a new file can be saved in one place/does not have to be split up (1)
Fragmented files become whole again (1) so programs start/open more quickly (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Accept a statement about the read/write head moving less/not having to move as far on its own as the first mark, even if the candidate does not say that the parts of the file are stored together.

Allow 'so the file does not have to be searched for in several places on the disk' as the linked reason for the first mark.

Do not accept 'it makes the disk/computer faster' on its own without a linked reason such as less read/write head movement.

Do not accept 'it compresses files' or 'it frees up more storage space'; defragmentation does not reduce the size of files.

Do not accept 'it stops the disk getting damaged/the disk failing' or 'it uses less RAM'.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

Parts of each file are stored next to each other (1) so the read/write head moves less and the file loads faster (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): contiguous storage, then less read/write head movement making files load faster.

Some marks1/2

The read/write head does not have to move as far (1) so the computer's RAM is freed up.

Why: First mark for less read/write head movement, which the guidance accepts on its own (1); freeing RAM is not a linked benefit of defragmentation, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

It compresses the files so they take up less space on the disk.

Why: Describes data compression, not defragmentation; the 'Do not accept' line rules it out, so no creditworthy point.

15Explain2 marks

Anti-malware software checks files against a database of known malware.

Explain one reason why anti-malware software needs to be updated regularly.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

New malware is created/released all the time (1) so the database/definitions must be updated to recognise/detect it (1)
New viruses/Trojans/spyware are written (1) so the software needs their signatures/patterns to identify them (1)
Updates can fix weaknesses/security holes in the anti-malware software (1) so malware cannot use/exploit them to get past the anti-malware (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Do not accept 'so it is up to date' / 'to update it' / 'so the software needs to be updated' / 'so it is current' / 'so it is better' as the linked reason; the answer must say what the update allows the software to do.

Do not accept 'to protect the computer from viruses/malware' on its own without saying that the update allows new/unknown malware to be detected.

Do not accept 'so it scans faster', 'so it uses less storage/memory' or 'so the computer runs faster'.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

New malware is released all the time (1) so the database of definitions must be updated to recognise the new malware (1).

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): new malware and updating definitions to detect it.

Some marks1/2

There are new viruses (1) so the software needs to be updated.

Why: First mark for new malware (1); 'so the software needs to be updated' only restates the question, so no linked reason.

No marks0/2

So it can scan the hard disk faster.

Why: Scanning speed is not a reason for updating anti-malware; no creditworthy point, and the scheme rejects 'so it scans faster'.

16Explain2 marks

A school is about to install a new version of its student records software on an office computer.

Explain one reason why the school should make a backup before installing the software.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award up to two marks for a linked explanation such as:

The installation may cause the computer/system to fail/stop working/crash (1) so the computer/system can be restored to its previous state/setup (1)
The installation may damage/corrupt/delete existing files/data (1) so the files/data can be recovered/restored from the backup (1)
The new software/program may not be compatible with the existing system/software (1) so the user can return to the previous working version/setup (1)
The new software/installation may contain malware/a virus (1) so files/data damaged/deleted by the malware can be restored from the backup (1)

For both marks, the expansion must follow/associate with the statement.

Allow 'recover from a failed installation' as the point and 'restore the previous system/setup' as the linked reason.

Do not accept 'so the files are safe' / 'in case something goes wrong' / 'to keep a copy of the files' on its own without naming what could go wrong and how the backup helps.

Do not accept 'the backup will be safe' as the linked reason; it does not say how the backup helps.

Do not accept 'to free up storage' or 'to make the computer faster' as these are not reasons for backing up.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

If the installation causes the computer to stop working, the backup can be used to restore the system to how it was before.

Why: Linked point (1) and reason (1): installation failure and restoring the previous system.

Some marks1/2

If the new software has a virus, the backup will be safe.

Why: Point for malware/virus risk (1); 'the backup will be safe' is rejected as a vague expansion, so no second mark.

No marks0/2

So the computer has more storage space after the software is installed.

Why: Storage space is not a reason for making a backup; no creditworthy point.

17Discuss6 marks

A small graphic design company keeps all of its project files on one desktop computer. The computer's hard disk has failed and some files have been lost. The owner has been told to use backup software.

Discuss the backup strategy the company should use.

Your answer should include:

the types of backup that could be used
where and how often backups should be made
how the backups would be used if the hard disk failed again.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

Types of backup that could be used

A full backup copies all of the company's project files every time it is run, so the whole set of files is held together in one backup.
A full backup takes longer to make and needs more storage space than an incremental backup.
An incremental backup copies only the files that have changed since the previous backup, so it is quicker to run each evening.
Restoring from incremental backups needs the last full backup plus every incremental backup made since, which takes longer and is more complex.
A weekly full backup with nightly incremental backups can be suitable for the company when the reason is explained using the properties of the two types.

Where and how often backups should be made

Backups should be kept on a separate device and, ideally, at a different location, so that a fire or theft in the office cannot destroy the computer and the backups together.
Backups should be made regularly, for example every evening, so that at most one day's design work would be lost.
Cloud storage can hold copies off-site automatically, without the owner taking a disk home.
An external hard disk or USB flash drive can be used as the backup medium, with a copy kept away from the office.

How the backups would be used if the hard disk failed again

If the hard disk fails again, the backup software is used to restore the latest full backup and any later incremental backups onto a replacement disk.
The restored project files allow the company to carry on working and meet its clients' deadlines.
The backups should be tested by restoring a file so that the company knows the backup is usable before it is needed.
Backup software does not repair the failed hard disk itself, so a replacement disk is still needed.

Levels

Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Level 3 requires all three bullets to be developed and applied, including both types of backup (or a justified combination) and a restoration sequence; a response that describes only a full backup cannot reach Level 3.

An answer that explains only one type of backup with at most a brief location or frequency point and no developed restoration is Level 1 (1–2 marks). Credit one off-site point only: cloud storage, an external disk kept elsewhere and 'a different location' are the same point. Do not accept that backup software repairs a failed hard disk or recovers files that were never backed up; an answer that only makes this claim is Level 0. An unsupported weekly-full/nightly-incremental recommendation is not credited.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

The company should make a full backup once a week and incremental backups every evening. A full backup copies every project file, so the whole set is held in one place, but it takes a long time and a lot of space. An incremental backup copies only the files that have changed since the last backup, so it is quick enough to run each night. The backups should be copied to an external hard disk that the owner takes home, or uploaded to cloud storage, so that a fire or a theft cannot destroy the computer and the backups together. Backing up every evening means that at most one day's design work would be lost. If the hard disk fails again, the backup software is used to restore the latest full backup and then each incremental backup onto a new disk, so the company can carry on meeting its clients' deadlines.

Why: Level 3: full and incremental backups are explained and applied to a weekly and nightly schedule (AO1); off-site storage and the restore sequence onto a replacement disk are developed and clearly tied to the hard disk failure (AO2).

Some marks2/6

The company should back up its files to an external hard disk. A full backup copies all of the files, so the project files can be restored if the hard disk fails again. The backup should be kept in a different room in case there is a fire.

Why: Level 1: names a full backup and briefly links it to restoring files, and gives a weak location point, but there is no incremental backup, frequency or developed restore sequence, so the points remain basic and independent.

No marks0/6

Backup software repairs the hard disk when it fails, so the company will not lose anything and can open the files again.

Why: Level 0: the only claim is that backup software repairs the failed hard disk and prevents all loss, which the mark scheme does not accept; no valid type, location, frequency or restoration point is made.

18Discuss6 marks

A college has a room of older desktop computers. Each computer has a magnetic hard disk that is almost full. Staff have noticed that files on these computers take a long time to open because the disks have become fragmented.

Discuss the use of disk defragmentation software on these computers.

Your answer should include:

how files become fragmented
what defragmentation software does
the benefits and drawbacks of running it.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

How files become fragmented

A file is saved into free blocks on the disk, so as files are deleted and new ones saved, one file can end up split across blocks in different places.
Large files are more likely to become fragmented because they may not fit into one free space.
The more the disks are used, the more fragmented they become, so the read/write head has to move to more locations to read all the parts of a file.
Fragmentation is the reason that files on the college's computers take a long time to open.

What defragmentation software does

It reorganises the blocks of each file so that they are stored together (contiguously) on the disk.
It collects the free space into one block so that new files are written in one piece and are less likely to be fragmented.
It is a housekeeping utility that is often supplied with the operating system, and it reorganises data that is already on the disk.
It does not change the contents of any file, it only changes where the blocks of the file are stored.

Benefits of running it

Files and programs open faster because the read/write head makes fewer movements, so the older computers feel quicker without the college buying new hardware.
Free space in one block means new files are written in one piece, so the improvement lasts for a while.
Running it may mean the college can keep using the older computers for longer instead of replacing them.

Drawbacks of running it

It can take a long time to run, so it should be scheduled for when the room is not in use, such as overnight or at weekends.
It causes a lot of disk activity, so running it too often puts unnecessary strain on the disks.
It does not free up any space, as no files are deleted, so the disks will still be almost full.
It only reorganises files that are intact, so it cannot recover a corrupted file, and a backup is still needed.

Levels

Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Level 3 responses must cover both how files become fragmented and what defragmentation software does, with at least one benefit or drawback applied to the college's computers. An answer that only states what the software does and one benefit, with no explanation of how files became fragmented and no drawback, is Level 1 (2 marks).

Do not accept: defragmentation software compresses files, frees up storage space, deletes unused files, repairs corrupted files, or speeds up the processor or internet connection.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

As files are deleted and new ones saved, a file can be split into blocks in different places on the disk, especially a large file that will not fit into one free space. This means the read/write head has to move to more locations to read the file, which is why the files on these computers are slow to open. Defragmentation software reorganises the blocks so that each file is stored together, and it moves the free space into one block, so new files are written in one piece. Staff would find that files and programs open faster because the head makes fewer movements, so the older computers feel quicker without the college buying new ones. It can take a long time, so the college should schedule it overnight or at the weekend when the room is empty, and it should not be run too often because of the strain on the disks. It will not free up space, as nothing is deleted, so the disks will still be almost full and a backup is still needed.

Why: Level 3: fragmentation, the extra head movements and what the software does are explained accurately (AO1) and applied to the college's own computers, with a benefit and drawbacks including a sensible schedule (AO2).

Some marks2/6

Defragmentation software rearranges the files so that the parts of each file are stored together. This means files open faster, which will help on these computers. It should be run regularly.

Why: Level 1: two basic, independent points, namely that the software stores the parts of a file together and that files then open faster, with little linkage and no explanation of how the files became fragmented and no drawback, so Level 2 is not reached.

Some marks1/6

Defragmentation software compresses the files so they take up less space on the nearly full disks. If the parts of a file are stored together it opens faster.

Why: Level 1: only the basic point that storing the parts of a file together makes it open faster is creditworthy; the claim that defragmentation compresses files is a misconception on the do-not-accept line and is not credited.

19Discuss6 marks

A charity has 15 laptops used by staff and volunteers. Staff often download files from the internet and open email attachments. The charity's manager is considering installing anti-malware software on every laptop.

Discuss the use of anti-malware software to protect the charity's computers.

Your answer should consider:

how malware could affect the charity's computers
how anti-malware software finds and deals with malware
what else the charity must do for the anti-malware software to be effective

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Indicative content

How malware could affect the charity's computers

A virus could damage or delete the charity's files, such as its records of donations.
Spyware could record keystrokes and send staff passwords or personal data to a hacker.
A Trojan horse could hide malicious code inside a useful-looking program that a volunteer downloads, so it is installed without the user knowing.
Malware could spread from one laptop to another through files shared on the charity's network, so more laptops become infected and more files are lost.

How anti-malware software finds and deals with malware

It scans files and compares their code with a database of known malware patterns (signatures) to identify a match.
It can apply rules (heuristics) to decide whether a program is behaving suspiciously.
A suspicious file can be run in a sandbox to see whether its behaviour is malicious.
When malware is found, the file is quarantined so that it cannot run, and it can be deleted.
Downloads and email attachments can be scanned before a member of staff opens them.

What else the charity must do for the anti-malware software to be effective

The database of malware definitions must be kept up to date, or new malware will not be recognised.
Staff and volunteers should be trained not to open unexpected attachments or download from unreliable sites.
Backups are still needed, because anti-malware cannot repair files that malware has already damaged.
Scheduled scans must be allowed to run on all 15 laptops, so that malware is found even if no one opens the file.

Levels

Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable content.
Level 1 (1–2 marks): Basic, independent points are made, showing elements of understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion will contain basic information with little linkage between points made or application to the context. (AO2)
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates adequate understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science. (AO1) The discussion shows some linkages and lines of reasoning with some structure and application to the context. (AO2)
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of key concepts/principles of computer science to support the discussion being presented. (AO1) The discussion is well developed, with sustained lines of reasoning that are coherent and logically structured, and which clearly apply to the context. (AO2)

Level 3 responses must cover both how malware could affect the computers and how anti-malware software finds or deals with it; a brief deal-with point and an unexplained update point, with no identification method and no effect on the charity's files, are Level 1.

Do not accept anti-malware software described as a firewall, or 'scans files'/'finds viruses' on its own as a method of identifying malware.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

A virus could spread through the files the volunteers download and delete the charity's donation records, and spyware could record staff keystrokes and send passwords to a hacker. The anti-malware software would scan each laptop, including downloaded files and email attachments, and compare their code with a database of known malware patterns. If a match is found, the file is quarantined so that it cannot run, and it can then be deleted, so one infected laptop is less likely to pass malware to the other 14. The database of definitions must be kept up to date, because new malware will not be recognised by an old database. The manager should also train staff not to open unexpected attachments, and keep backups, because anti-malware cannot repair files that have already been damaged.

Why: Level 3: the effects of a virus and spyware are applied to the charity's laptops and records, and signature comparison, quarantine and deletion are explained and linked to stopping the spread (AO1/AO2), with accurate limits on what the software can do.

Some marks2/6

The anti-malware software scans the laptops and finds viruses. When it finds one it deletes the file so the laptop is safe. The charity should keep the software updated.

Why: Level 1 (2 marks): basic, independent points are made — deleting the infected file and keeping the software updated — but there is no identification method (signatures, heuristics or a sandbox), no explanation of how malware could affect the charity, and little linkage or application.

No marks0/6

The anti-malware software is a firewall that stops hackers getting into the laptops from the internet, and it scans the files for viruses.

Why: Level 0: describing anti-malware as a firewall is a misconception and is not credited, and bare 'scans the files for viruses' is not accepted on its own as a method of identifying malware, so there is no rewardable content.

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